Jackie McNamara makes claim highlighting Celtic’s strength in depth

Speaking to the Daily Mail, Jackie McNamara has admitted that Celtic could completely change their starting XI and still have the best team in the Scottish Premiership.

The Dundee United boss said: “It doesn’t matter that Celtic have a big game coming up on Tuesday because they have a big enough squad to cope. Could they make 11 changes and still be the best team in the league? Of course they could. And the reason for that is they have the resources.”

Whilst a bold claim from the United boss, it is certainly one that rings true and shows the divide in quality in the SPFL.

The Bhoys take on McNamara’s men this weekend, and although they played against Malmo in the Champions League midweek, it will still be a tough test for the Tangerines.

Ronny Deila is sure to field a weakened team due to the European exploits, and the upcoming second leg next week, but they can still put out a side which will be expected to win.

The likes of Nadir Ciftci, Gary Mackay-Steven and Kris Commons all were named on the bench for the Malmo tie, and will be expected to start against the weekend’s opponents, which still leaves them with two of the best attacking players in the league in their first XI.

Celtic are expected to win the Scottish Premiership once again this season, and progress in the Champions League, and they need a strong squad to complete both feats. However, whilst they may achieve their aims, it certainly lessens the competition in Scottish football with such a dominant Celtic team.

Billy Hawkins

Billy is a freelance writer who contributes to various sites concerning football. Known to possess an obsession with statistics, Eastern European club sides, and Victorian football, he focuses upon the untapped potential of the Football League in the belief it is more enjoyable than the Premier League.